Legal literacy and awareness for accessing justice: Judicial contribution and approach in India

Abstract

Legal literacy and awareness are fundamental to ensuring access to justice and achieving the constitutional vision of equality and socio-economic justice in India. This paper explores the evolving role of the Indian judiciary in promoting legal literacy and providing legal aid, particularly to marginalized communities. Anchored in the constitutional mandate of Article 39-A, the study examines judicial interventions, landmark rulings, and the establishment of legal aid mechanisms that have significantly expanded access to justice. Public Interest Litigations, procedural liberalization, and court-driven legal aid initiatives have all contributed to a more inclusive justice system. However, gaps remain in implementation due to infrastructural, administrative, and awareness challenges. This research highlights the urgent need for institutional reforms, structured legal education, and judicial activism to transform legal aid from a formality into a meaningful right for all.